Keeping the Spacecraft Clean

The TIMED spacecraft has stringent cleanliness requirements. During its construction and transport to and from test facilities and the launch site, it's important to keep its sensors clean and free of debris so that data collected is not skewed by the presence of contaminants, such as particulates, oils, and fibers.
Like most spacecraft, TIMED was assembled in a special facility known as a "clean room," where scientists take elaborate precautions to reduce dust particles and other airborne contaminants. When TIMED is prepared to travel outside this room, it's covered by one or more special antistatic bags to ensure its cleanliness standards are maintained.